System and method for testing a fire suppression system

ABSTRACT

At least one embodiment comprises a testing system for a fire suppression system which can comprise at least one fluid conduit having a first end and a second end with an isolating valve and at least one pressure regulating valve coupled to the conduit. A tap is coupled to the fluid conduit, and is positioned between the first end and the second end and be for selectively allowing fluid to flow out from the fluid conduit to allow fluid to flow past the pressure regulating valve. The process for testing a fire suppression system can comprise the following steps: connecting at least one first valve to a fluid conduit, disconnecting sprinkler heads from the fluid conduit, flowing water through the pressure regulating valve determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve, and determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve, stopping testing, and then reporting the results.

BACKGROUND

At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a system and methodfor testing a fire suppression system. The system and method cancomprise at least one controller and/or computer which isolates at leastone component of a fire suppression system such as a valve. In at leastone embodiment, the valve can be in the form of a pressure regulatingvalve (PRV) which can be tested by flowing water through the valve. Thesystem and method can then log the results and determine whether thevalve passed the test.

Pressure regulating valves can form an important part of a firesuppression system. Pressure regulating valves for fire protectionapplications are designed for use in fire protection systems to provideprotection against excessive water pressure caused by thermal expansionor line surge. For example, in at least one embodiment, each floor of abuilding can contain a pressure relief valve disposed along thesprinkler system positioned before or upstream of the sprinkler heads oneach floor of the sprinkler system. With this design, the pressurerelief valve prevents excessive pressure from reaching the sprinklerheads which could cause the sprinkler heads to release fluid prematurelyor cause poor water spray patterns. For example, in at least oneembodiment, the pressure in a fluid conduit upstream of a pressureregulating valve can be between 225 and 175 psi. However, after thefluid passes the pressure regulating valve (PRV) the fluid pressure candrop to below 175 psi to prevent improper water distribution at thesprinkler heads of a sprinkler system.

Other fire suppression systems are known such as U.S. Patent Applicationpublication No. 2012/0298381 to Taylor the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference. Therefore, there is a need for asystem to test fire suppression systems in an efficient manner.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment comprises a testing system for a firesuppression system which can comprise at least one fluid conduit havinga first end and a second end. The system can have an isolating valve andat least one pressure regulating valve coupled to the conduit. A tap orthree-way valve is coupled to the fluid conduit, and is positionedbetween the first end and the second end and be for selectively allowingfluid to flow out from the fluid conduit to allow fluid to flow past orthrough the pressure regulating valve. This system then allows for thetesting of the pressure regulating valve without having to remove thepressure regulating valve from the system.

In at least one embodiment there is a process for testing a firesuppression system which can comprise the following steps: connecting atleast one first valve to a fluid conduit, disconnecting sprinkler headsfrom the fluid conduit, flowing water through the pressure regulatingvalve determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve,and determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulatingvalve, stopping testing, and then reporting the results.

This process can be used to test a pressure regulating valve withouthaving to remove a pressure regulating valve from a fire suppressionsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description considered in connection withthe accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that thedrawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition ofthe limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similarelements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fire suppression system havingtesting system coupled thereto;

FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram of a computer that can be used withthe system;

FIG. 2B is a schematic block diagram of the beginning and end regions ofthe fire suppression system;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an example of a firesuppression system in a building;

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a testing system for a firesuppression system for use with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a testingsystem for use with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the process for testingthe fire suppression system; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of another embodiment of the process for testingthe fire suppression system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a fire suppression system 5having testing system 10 coupled thereto. For example, the firesuppression system 5 comprises a fluid conduit which comprises a riser22 coupled at a first end to a fire pump 14 and a fire pump controller16. The fluid conduit can be in the form of any suitable fluid conduitknown in the art such as pipes. The fire pump controller 16 controls thefire pump 14 to pressurize the fluid in the fluid conduit such as theriser 22. In at least one embodiment, the fluid comprises water takenfrom a water main providing municipal water. In at least one additionalembodiment, the fluid can comprise some form of water mixed withadditional fire suppression fluids. Water can also be supplied from apressurized tank or gravity water tank.

The fire pump controller 16 can function as a central controller or beconnected to or in communication with a central controller or computer19. If a central controller is used such as computer 19 it can be in theform of a computer such as a typical Intel based personal computerrunning any one of a Linux, Apple, or Windows based operating system.Computer 19 can be wirelessly coupled to the other control devices orcoupled to the other control devices through a wired connection 19.1such as an Ethernet connection.

FIG. 2A shows the design of the computer 19 which includes a motherboard191, a microprocessor 192, a memory 193 such as a flash or EEPROM memoryor any other suitable memory known in the art, a mass storage device 195such as a hard drive or flash drive, a transceiver or communicationsport 196, at least one input/output port 197 such as an input port for akeyboard, mouse or screen, and a power supply for providing power supplyto the motherboard and to the components. These components are coupledtogether both electrically and communicatively on the motherboard 191and can all communicate between each other so that the microprocessorcan perform at least some of the steps outlined in FIG. 6

As shown in FIG. 2B fire pump controller 16 is coupled to fire pump 14via a communication line 17.1. Alternatively, fire pump controller 16can be coupled wirelessly to command fire pump 14. A sensor 13 isdisposed adjacent to fire pump controller 16 to determine the heatgenerated by the fire pump controller power source. In addition, a heatsensor such as sensors 15.1 and 15.2 can be placed adjacent to fire pump14 to determine the heat generated by the fire pump. Alternate sensorssuch as a pressure sensor 15.3, a tachometer 15.4, or another pressuresensor 15.5 can also be coupled along this line. This information can befed in a wired manner or wireless manner to the computer 19.

As shown in both FIGS. 1 and 2B, at the opposite end of the fire pump 14are a series of valves 25, including valves 25.1, 25.2, 25.3, andcorresponding pressure sensors 27, including pressure sensors 27.1,27.2, 27.3, and 27.4. Each of these lines can also include acorresponding flow meter 29.1 which is used to selectively drain fluidfrom the fluid conduit.

Coupled between the two ends of the fluid conduit intermediateconnections forming at least one line 24. Lines such as supply line 24forms a conduit or service line for a floor such as any one of servicelines 52, 54, 56 and 58 shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in both FIGS. 1 and 4 there is at least one isolating valve 30disposed along supply line 24 to isolate the riser line 22 from theindividual supply line 24. Coupled to, and disposed along supply line 24is the pressure regulating valve 60. Coupled to either side of pressureregulating valve 60 are pressure sensors 32 and 34. Pressure sensor 32is disposed upstream from pressure regulating valve 60. Pressure sensor34 is disposed downstream from pressure regulating valve 60. Sensors 32and 34 are configured to be either in wireless communication withcomputer 19 or in wired communication with this computer. Coupled tosupply or service line 24, downstream from sensor 34, is a valve 35which is coupled to drain line 29 for selectively draining fluid fromthe supply line 24 into drain 31. In addition, coupled to supply line 24is a test valve which in at least one embodiment is a three way valve 38which feeds into test line 26, or selectively flows onto sprinklersupply line 28. Coupled along sprinkler supply line 28 are sprinklerheads which can be used to suppress a fire in the event of a rise intemperature or a detection of heat. There is also an additionalisolating valve 36 which is coupled to a line 109 (See FIGS. 1 and 5)which feeds into optional occlusion or obstruction testing container orbarrel 110. Line 109 is coupled to sprinkler line 28.

FIG. 4 shows a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 whereinthis view shows the addition of the testing equipment to test whetherthe PRV valve 60 is functioning properly. Coupled to riser line 22 is avalve 23.1 and a riser pressure sensor 23.2.

As shown in FIG. 4, line 26 is coupled to three-way valve 38. Three-wayvalve 38 is coupled to line 26 and to line 24. Downstream of three-wayvalve 38 and coupled along testing line 26 is a flow meter 70. Coupledin parallel to flow meter 70 is a differential pressure sensor 72 whichis coupled along parallel line 74. Both these lines 26 and 74 feed intoautomated control valve 80. Automated control valve 80 can be coupled ina wired or wireless manner to a controller such as fire pump controller16 or computer 19 which can automatically open control valve 80 in theevent of a test. In addition, flow meter 70 and pressure sensor 72 arealso in communication with the computer 19 as well sending values tocomputer 19 in the event of a test.

In the event of a test, a suitable controller opens control valve 80 andcauses fluid to flow into container 90. Automated control valve 80 canalso be opened to simulate flow. Container 90 is coupled along line 26and comprises a portable tank that can be moved from floor to floor andselectively coupled to a select service line such as supply line 24.Under normal operating conditions, a simple three-way valve or testoutlet 38 is connected to the line. When a user needs to test the lineon a periodic basis, such as every year or every five years, the usercan tap into the three-way valve 38, isolate the sprinklers from theline, and instead send the fluid into a container such as container 90.As fluid is flowing into the container during the test, the system canthen determine whether the PRV valve 60 is working by reading the valuesof the differential pressure sensor 72 and the flow meter 70 during thetest.

Container 90 can be selectively depressurized and/or pressurized so thatit can first receive fluid and then selectively expel fluid. Coupled totank 90 is a vent 92 and a tank pressure sensor 94. In addition, toselectively pressurize tank 90 there can be a pressurizer which cancomprise any one of an air cylinder 96 with a regulator, or an aircompressor 98, having a pump 99. The tank is coupled to this pressurizervia a test valve or in at least one embodiment a three-way valve 138which selectively opens to allow pressurizing fluid such as air to enterthe tank to forcibly expel the fluid that is already inside such aswater. Tank or container 90 can either be a pressurized tank or agravity feed tank which creates pressure in a line through a gravityfeed. In the case of a gravity feed tank, the positioning of the tankcan be set so as to allow flow of fluid into the system or pressurizedto force fluid out of the system.

Tank or container 90 is used because it serves as a set volume toreceive pressurized fluid over time. By using the flow meter and thedifferential pressure sensor over a preset period of time, and bymeasuring the time to fill the tank, the controller such as fire pumpcontroller 16 or computer 19 can determine whether the pressureregulating valve is operating properly.

Tank or container 90 can also contain a siphon tube 97 which allows thefluid under pressure to be distributed out of the container via athree-way valve 38. Thus, as the water is under pressure, the waternaturally flows up the siphon tube 97 along line 26 and out of thesystem past three way valve 38, into valve 35, and then through thedrain 29.

Once the testing and evaluation is performed, the tank can be drained ofits fluid by pressurizing the tank via the air compressor, or aircylinder to forcibly expel the water inside the tank through drain line29.

Each service line, or alternatively, the entire system can also beautomatically or selectively tested for particles such as occlusions,obstructions or impediments.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 1 the service line 28 feeds into a valve 36 whichserves as a connecting valve to an obstruction barrel 110.

As shown in FIG. 5, valve 36 is coupled to line 109 which feeds intoobstruction barrel 110. Obstruction barrel 110 comprises a barrel body111, having a pressure gauge 114 coupled to it, as well as a vent 112coupled to it as well. When fluid flows inside of the barrel, air isvented out via vent 112. The fluid flows into deflection screen 117disposed inside of the barrel and adjacent to screen 115. The fluidsplashes off of deflection screen 117 formed as a cone hitting filterscreen 115 and thereby trapping any obstructions inside of this innerscreen for examination. Filter screen 115 is formed around deflectionscreen to trap the material that flows off of deflection screen 117.

The entire barrel can be made portable by mounting it on a mobile cart116. In addition, coupled to the barrel are a plurality of valves 127,128 as well as an air compressor 122, an air cylinder with a regulator124, or a pump 126 to selectively pump material out of the barrel. Anair hose reel 120 can be coupled to the side of the barrel and be usedto couple to either the cylinder 124, the compressor 122, or the pump126.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the process for testingthe fire suppression system. For example, the process starts in step s1where a user connects a three-way valve to a service line such as toservice line 24. Next, in step S2, a container such as container 90 iscoupled to a fluid conduit such as conduit 26. Next, in step S3, thethree-way valve is operated to isolate the sprinkler heads from the restof the system. Vent valve 112 can also have a filter added if needed.

Next, in step S4, water flows through the pressure regulating valve suchas valve 60. This occurs in step S5, where automated control valve 80opens, and water flows into tank 90.

Next, in step S6 the system determines the flow rate through PRV valve60. This step can be determined by determining the volume of fluid thatflows, the time that the fluid flows, obtaining readings from the flowmeter 70, as well as from the differential pressure sensor 72 todetermine whether fluid is flowing at a proper rate and at a properpressure through pressure regulating valve 60. In addition the systemdetermines the pressure differential in step S7.

Thus, in step S7, the pressure from pressure sensor 32, as well aspressure sensor 34 is read by the controller such as controller 16 orcomputer 19 to determine the ability of pressure regulating valve 60 toregulate the pressure inside of service line 24. In addition, to providean additional point of reference the pressure from riser pressure sensor23.2 can also be read by controller 16 or computer 19 as well.

Thus, in step S8 the controller reads and measures the flow rate andpressure changes once the water flows through the pressure regulatingvalve 60. Next, either before step S11 or after, the system such ascomputer 19 can increase the pressure inside of container 90 to sendfluid outside of container 90 to drain container 90 in step S10. Asindicated above, the steps in this process that are performed bycomputer 19 are performed by the microprocessor which reads instructionsfed from the mass storage device into the memory and then into theassociated microprocessor such as microprocessor 192.

Step S11 involves the measurement of the flow meter 70 and thedifferential pressure sensor 72 to determine whether the PRV valve meetsthe flow criteria set by the manufacturer of the PRV valve. For example,this flow criteria can be in the form of an acceptable range of presetvalues such as a low to high range in flow rate. Another value that canbe set as criteria, either alternatively or in addition to the flow rateis a pre-set pressure range based upon an acceptable low pressure levelor high pressure level. These criteria can be stored in the mass storagedevice 195, in the memory 193 and evaluated using microprocessor 192.

If the PRV valve meets the preset flow criteria then the valve passesinspection. If however the PRV valve 60 does not meet the presetcriteria, the computer 19 can inform the user that this valve needs tobe replaced.

Ultimately, the testing system and process is used to determine as shownin step S11 whether the pressure regulating valve is operating asdesigned and should be replaced.

By creating an automated test for testing the pressure regulating valve,the pressure regulating valve (PRV) does not have to be removed offsiteand tested in a controlled laboratory. This allows fire suppressionsystems such as sprinkler systems to continue to operate and be testedwith less downtime and possibly less cost. Furthermore, the automatedtesting system can also be used to test for obstructions inside of thesystem to determine whether there is corrosion or breakdown inside ofthe fire suppression system.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment for testing. With this embodiment, thereis an additional step S12, wherein the user can review and inspect thetank 110 shown in FIG. 5 for particles. With this test, the bottom valve128 drains out fluid to leave the obstructive material. This allows auser to inspect the container 110 to determine the health of the lines.Depending on the size of the particles and the density of the particlesin the wastewater, any one of the lines such as line 24 may need to bereplaced. Therefore, the testing system of FIG. 4 and the additionaltesting system of FIG. 5 can be used to determine the health/quality orlife of a supply line for a building or for each individual floor of abuilding.

Accordingly, while at least one embodiment of the present invention hasbeen shown and described, it is obvious that many changes andmodifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. A process for testing a fire suppression systemcomprising the following steps: a) connecting at least one first valveto a fluid conduit; b) disconnecting sprinkler heads from said fluidconduit; c) flowing water through the pressure regulating valve; d)determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve; e)determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve; f)stopping testing; and g) reporting the results.
 14. The process as inclaim 13, wherein said step of connecting at least one first valvecomprises connecting at least one three-way valve or test valve to thefluid conduit.
 15. The process as in claim 13, wherein said step ofconnecting at least one container to said at least one valve comprisesconnecting at least one pressurized container to said at least one firstvalve.
 16. The process as in claim 13, wherein said step of determiningthe pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve comprisesdetermining a pressure in a differential pressure sensor positionedadjacent to said pressure regulating valve.
 17. The process as in claim13, wherein said step of determining a flow rate comprises determining aflow rate in a flow meter positioned downstream and adjacent to saidpressure regulating valve.
 18. The process as in claim 13, furthercomprising coupling at least one container to said fluid conduit. 19.The process as in claim 14, wherein said step of stopping testing occurswhen said container is filled with fluid.
 20. The process as in claim19, further comprising the steps of pressurizing said container to forcesaid fluid from said container so that said fluid drains from saidcontainer.
 21. The process as in claim 13, further comprising the stepof using a computer to determine whether to replace a pressureregulating valve by determining whether the pressure regulating valvemeets preset flow criteria stored in memory in the computer.
 22. Theprocess as in claim 21, wherein said step of determining whether toreplace the pressure regulating valve comprises determining whether thetesting values in terms of pressure are within a preset pressure rangestored in the computer.
 23. The process as in claim 21, wherein saidstep of determining whether to replace the pressure regulating valvecomprises determining whether the testing values in terms of flow rateare within a flow rate range stored in the computer.